Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

Former Vice President Mike Pence joins the podcast to discuss his new book, What Conservatives Believe, and why he sees an inflection point for the Republican Party. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pence argues that the GOP must return to core conservative principles—limited government, fiscal discipline, and constitutional governance. He also reflects on his time in the Trump White House, offering perspective on working closely with President Trump and their current relationship. And he shares his outlook on the future of the Indiana economy and where he believes economic opportunity and conservative policy intersect in the years ahead.

Northwest Indiana is rewriting its story—and people are taking notice. From the generational expansion and double tracking of the South Shore Line to quality-of-life projects reshaping communities across the region, northwest Indiana is attracting new residents, new business interest, and a new sense of confidence. In this episode, Northwest Indiana Forum CEO Heather Ennis shares why she believes the region is entering one of the most important chapters in its history and how investment, collaboration, and momentum are creating a renaissance in the rust belt.

What does the future of education look like in an era defined by Artificial Intelligence, workplace disruption and changing attitudes about the value of a college degree? On this episode, Gerry Dick sits down with Lumina Foundation CEO Jamie Merisotis to explore the seismic shifts reshaping higher education, workforce development and the global economy. Merisotis offers a wide-ranging perspective on how universities, employers and states must adapt to a rapidly evolving future, diving into the growing influence of AI, the changing definition of workforce readiness, and the debate over the value of a four-year degree. He also shares insight into how traditional manufacturing states like Indiana are positioning themselves for the new economy and what business and education leaders must do now to remain competitive in a technology-driven world.

At a time when many small colleges are facing enrollment declines and financial pressure, Taylor University is charting a different course. In this episode, Taylor’s 18th president, Dr. Michael Lindsay, joins us to talk about the remarkable momentum behind the Upland, Indiana-based Christian liberal arts university. Over the past five years, Taylor has grown enrollment by 45%, while attracting an incoming class with an average GPA of 3.9. What’s behind the momentum? Lindsay points to a clear mission, strong culture, and distinctive traditions. But the story goes beyond campus. We explore Taylor’s ambitious $500 million fundraising campaign and “Main Street Mile,” a $100 million initiative designed to transform Upland with new housing, mixed-use development, and a boutique hotel. It’s a conversation about leadership, strategy, and how one small university may be offering a big lesson for the future of higher education.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Mittman, the CEO of Bosma Enterprises— one of the largest nonprofit organizations providing employment, training, and rehabilitation services for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Midwest. Mittman shares his deeply personal journey, including losing his vision while serving on active duty in Iraq, and how that life-altering moment shaped his leadership and purpose. Today, he’s leading an organization that reaches all 92 counties in Indiana, providing critical services ranging from job training and employment to rehabilitation and independence support. It’s an inspiring and insightful discussion about overcoming challenges, building opportunity, and seeing potential in a whole new way.

Indiana basketball history takes center stage in this special edition of Business & Beyond, featuring conversations with some of the most influential names in Hoosier hoops. Indiana Pacers co-owner Steve Simon reflects on growing up in Indianapolis, helping keep the franchise from leaving in the early 1980s, and how his bond with the Midwest has only grown after years on the West Coast. Purdue coach Matt Painter shares the blunt recruiting pitch from Gene Keady that shaped his philosophy, and explains why honesty still defines how he leads players. WNBA legend Tamika Catchings and former Indiana women’s basketball coach Lin Dunn discuss the rapid rise of the women’s game, from record Final Four audiences to the Caitlin Clark effect and the WNBA’s ambitions for major expansion. Don Fischer, the longtime voice of Indiana Hoosiers football and basketball, recounts memorable stories from his years alongside Bob Knight, including a live radio show disrupted by a shotgun barrel hitting the floor. Retired NCAA official Bo Boroski reflects on the emotion of earning a Final Four assignment and what it was like officiating inside the NBA bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The big business of college sports is getting bigger than ever, and one economist is putting real numbers on the table. Ryan Brewer, an associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, joins the podcast to talk about his groundbreaking work valuing college football and basketball programs. His research is gaining national attention in places like The Wall Street Journal as the financial stakes in college athletics surge. Brewer also weighs in on the new economic realities of the WNBA. It’s a fascinating conversation about the business of sports—and the numbers behind dramatic transformation.

For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been a driving force behind one of Indiana’s most beloved institutions: the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Hoye joined the Fairgrounds staff in 1988 as marketing director and became executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission in 2002. During her tenure, she led unprecedented growth and transformation, including more than $250 million in new buildings and improvements. In this conversation, she reflects on the milestones, challenges and deeply personal connections that have shaped her career. A thoughtful look back at a remarkable career—and the legacy of a leader who helped transform one of Indiana’s most treasured traditions.

From Feb. 22, 2022: From an Italian refugee camp to the pinnacle of motorsports, Mario Andretti has led a life of excitement and accomplishment. And his need for speed started at a very young age. In this episode, the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship opens up about immigrating to the United States, his love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a movie that started it all.

In this episode, longtime Sporting News columnist and Big Ten Network analyst Mike DeCourcy joins Gerry to break down how IU pulled off one of the most unlikely title runs in modern college football history. He also weighs in on the seismic shifts reshaping college athletics and if this new business model is sustainable. With decades of national perspective, DeCourcy offers insight, context, and clarity on where the college game is headed. And, oh yes, he talks some hoops, too.

Eric Tobias has built companies, backed founders, and helped shape one of the Midwest’s most influential startup ecosystems—but his latest venture hits much closer to the heart. In this episode, the Indianapolis serial entrepreneur takes us through his remarkable innovation journey in a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and software. Eric opens up about his lifelong love of music—and how that passion led him and a group of partners to purchase the iconic Vogue Theatre. It’s a wide-ranging and inspiring look at what happens when entrepreneurship meets passion, and how one founder is working to ensure that both startups and stages in Indianapolis continue to shine.

A special edition of the Business and Beyond podcast presented by PNC looks back at the Bob and Tom Show by hitting play on memorable clips and rewinding through the stories behind them. Host Gary Dick revisits highlights with Tom Griswold and features conversations with Bob Kevoian, Kristi Lee, Jimmy “Mad Dog” Matis, Pat Carlini and Mark Patrick. Hear how Bob and Tom’s chemistry took shape, how the cast and characters found their fit, and how the show’s comedy, bits and voices grew alongside Indianapolis. Along the way: Mark Patrick’s impressions, behind the scenes writing routines, the early studio days, and stories tied to the Colts, Peyton Manning and a surprise spin at the Speedway with Al Unser Jr. Subscribe to Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick - https://apple.co/3La5uJn Episodes with the BOB & TOM Show cast: Tom Griswold on the History of the BOB & TOM Show - https://apple.co/49PhMju Bob Kevoian: Radio Legend on Cruise Control - https://apple.co/3Nggg19 Kristi Lee: When Hard Work Meets Opportunity - https://apple.co/4sAXMsq Mark Patrick: Born to Entertain - https://apple.co/4svYwPH Jimmy Mad Dog Matis: Right Place, Right Time with the Right Stuff - https://apple.co/45z7mCc Pat Carlini: From Buckeye to Hoosier, a Media Trailblazer - https://apple.co/4suyjRj The BOB & TOM Show podcast - https://apple.co/4jDtzVA